August 6, 2023
BISMARCK, ND – The St. Cloud Rox (39-23) took victory in game two and a series sweep against the Bismarck Larks (23-40) with a 10-2 final score, Sunday, August 6th. The Rox finish the season series with a 10-2 record against Bismarck. St. Cloud’s magic number for wins to clinch a playoff spot is four.
The starting pitcher for St. Cloud was Piercen McElyea. McElyea went 7.1 innings, giving up just an earned run in his team-leading 10th start of the season. The right-handed starter tied a franchise single-game record for St. Cloud with 14 strikeouts, also becoming the 2nd pitcher for the Rox this season to finish with 10 or more strikeouts in a single outing. The 2023 Great Plains West All-Star has a 2.67 ERA over a team-high 54.0 innings pitched in 2023, with a team-leading 56 strikeouts and a 1.06 WHIP.
Ripken Reese and Jose Gonzalez hit back-to-back home runs in the 4th inning, the first home run of the season for both players. Gonzalez added on with a two-run double in the 9th inning to extend St. Cloud’s lead. Michael McNamara reached base three times, with two RBI, one run scored, and a stolen base. McNamara has five extra-base hits and nine RBI over his last six games. Oscar Serratos reached base three times, stealing two bases, and scoring once. Serratos has reached base 23 times, with 12 runs scored and eight stolen bases over 12 games this season.
Brooks Ey forced the Larks into a double play to get out of the 8th inning in his 2nd appearance with St. Cloud. Brandon Jaenke worked through the 9th inning with two strikeouts in his 13th appearance of 2023.
Today’s All-Star Trophy and Awards Star of the game is Piercen McElyea!
The Rox continue the series tomorrow, Monday, August 7th with a 6:35 first pitch against the Duluth Huskies. The Rox return home on Tuesday, August 8th for a 6:35 pm first pitch against the Duluth Huskies! It will be Mental Health Awareness Night, presented by Newport Healthcare! The Rox organization and Newport Healthcare will be teaming up to host Mental Health Awareness Night at Joe Faber Field. The Rox will wear special jerseys that can be purchased through a special online auction. For a complete game & promotional schedule, ticket information and everything Rox please visit www.stcloudrox.com
